An arrowhead is an anthropogenic artifact knapped from cryptocrystalline silica rock such as chert, flint, or obsidian. Collectors focus on the distinct stylistic flaking patterns used by indigenous cultures, which determine its historical and archaeological value.
Is this arrowhead?
4-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch arrowhead with a known reference. Arrowhead sits at Mohs 6.5-7, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Name the organismDecide what left the fossil before worrying about the rock. Organism: Human artifact (projectile point), not a fossil.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: waxy.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: white, gray, brown, black, tan.
Often found alongside arrowhead
Minerals reported to co-occur with arrowhead. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Mohs hardness
- 6.5-7
- Density
- 2.6-2.7 g/cm³
- Luster
- Waxy
- Transparency
- Opaque
- Rarity
- Common
- Uses
- Collector, Decorative
- Organism
- Human artifact (projectile point), not a fossil
Where rockhounds find arrowhead
2 mapped spotsClassic worldwide localities
- United States
- Mexico
- Canada
- Western Europe
Field-hunting tip
If you start seeing chert, flint, obsidian in float, you are in the right ground. In the U.S., the densest reported localities are in Nebraska, Nevada. Start trip planning there.
More arrowhead photos
Common questions
How do you identify arrowhead?+
Where is arrowhead found?+
Can I find arrowhead in the United States?+
What minerals are found with arrowhead?+
What is arrowhead used for?+
Find arrowhead on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
